Bentgrass Control in Lawns

Creeping bentgrass is desirable on golf greens but can form pale, soft, thatchy patches in higher-cut lawns. It spreads by stolons and often becomes conspicuous during humid summer weather.

How to Identify Bentgrass

Fine blades have rolled vernation and a long membranous ligule. Stolons creep across the soil surface and create dense mats that feel different underfoot from bluegrass or fescue.

Why It Appears in Turf

Frequent light irrigation, low mowing, acidic or poorly drained soil, and movement from golf or seed sources favor spread.

Make the Site Less Favorable

• Maintain the recommended mowing height and avoid scalping.
• Correct irrigation, drainage, compaction, fertility, or shade problems that thin desirable turf.
• Repair bare areas and use adapted turf cultivars to close openings where seedlings establish.

What University Research and Extension Guidance Says

University turf guidance recognizes selective suppression in some cool-season lawns, but multiple applications and careful attention to desirable species are required. Thick mats or mixed infestations may be more predictably corrected by spot renovation.

Choosing a Turf Herbicide

Perennial weeds often regrow from stolons, rhizomes, tubers, bulbs, or deep roots. Select a product labeled for the desirable turf and target weed, treat actively growing plants, and plan the complete sequence of repeat applications or renovation steps allowed by the label.

Research and label note: University research may discuss treatments or timings that are not permitted on every turf species or use site. Research evidence does not expand a product label. Confirm the desirable turf species, use site, target weed, application timing, rate, adjuvant directions, and reseeding restrictions on the current label before use.

University sources: University of Georgia Extension: Weed Control in Home Lawns.